Overview
Death Valley National Park sits on the California–Nevada border within the Mojave Desert and is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, covering roughly 3.4 million acres. It encompasses the Panamint and Amargosa mountain ranges as well as the floor of the Badwater Basin, which at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level is the lowest point in North America.
The park holds the record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth — 134 °F (56.7 °C) measured at Furnace Creek in July 1913. Despite this reputation, Death Valley is a place of genuine ecological and geological diversity: hundreds of plant species, desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and migratory birds all call it home.
The name dates to the California Gold Rush of 1849, when a group of emigrants crossed the valley and, though all but one survived, the harsh experience left a lasting impression on the landscape's identity. Today, the National Park Service manages the area, and it draws roughly one million visitors annually, most of them arriving in the cooler winter and spring months.
Before You Go
Entry and Permits
Death Valley is a US National Park. Visitors pay an entrance fee per vehicle or per person (on foot or bicycle); an America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry. Fees and pass details should be verified at the official NPS site (nps.gov/deva) before your trip, as they are subject to change.
Visas
Entry requirements to the United States vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the US Department of State website for the most current guidance applicable to your passport.
What to Pack
- Water — the single most critical item. Carry at least one gallon (3.8 L) per person per day, more in summer.
- Sun protection — wide-brim hat, sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves.
- Vehicle readiness — check tire pressure, coolant levels, and fuel before entering. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells but at a premium; fill up outside the park when possible.
- Layered clothing — desert nights can be surprisingly cold, especially November through February.
- Paper map or downloaded offline map — cell coverage is extremely limited throughout the park.
Health Considerations
Heat illness (heat exhaustion and heat stroke) is the primary medical risk. The NPS strongly advises against hiking below 2,000 feet elevation between May and October. Altitude is also a factor on higher roads such as the Charcoal Kilns route in the Panamint Mountains.
Getting There
By Car
The vast majority of visitors drive to Death Valley. The park has no commercial air or rail service. Common approach routes include:
- CA-190 from the west via Ridgecrest or Lone Pine
- US-395 north or south connecting to CA-190
- NV-374 (Daylight Pass Road) from the east via Beatty, Nevada
- CA-127 from the south via Baker
Furnace Creek, the main visitor hub, is approximately 290 miles (465 km) northeast of Los Angeles and about 285 miles (460 km) from Las Vegas — roughly a 4-hour drive from either city under normal conditions.
Nearest Airports
Las Vegas (Harry Reid International, LAS) and Los Angeles (LAX) are the most practical gateway airports. Renting a car at either airport is the standard approach. No shuttle or bus service runs into the park on a regular schedule; verify locally if any seasonal services exist.
Road Conditions
Some park roads are unpaved and require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Seasonal flooding can close roads without warning. Check current conditions at nps.gov/deva or call the park visitor center before traveling on backcountry routes.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to experience Death Valley meaningfully. Distances between major sights are large — it is roughly 50 miles from Badwater Basin to the Ubehebe Crater — and there is no public transportation within the park.
Most paved roads are suitable for standard passenger cars. Unpaved roads such as those leading to Racetrack Playa, Eureka Dunes, or Titus Canyon require a high-clearance vehicle and in some cases four-wheel drive. Always check road status before departure, as flash floods can render dirt roads impassable quickly.
Bicycling is permitted on roads open to motor vehicles, and some cyclists tackle routes such as Artists Drive or the valley floor. This is only advisable in cool months and with ample water. There are no bike rentals within the park; bring your own.
Furnace Creek serves as the practical center of the park, with a visitor center, fuel, lodging, and a small general store. Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs are secondary hubs with limited services.
Where to Stay
Accommodation inside Death Valley is limited and books up well in advance, particularly from November through March. Options within the park include the historic Inn at Death Valley (a full-service resort at Furnace Creek), the Ranch at Death Valley (a more casual complex also at Furnace Creek), and smaller lodges at Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs. Verify current availability and rates directly with each property or the park concessionaire.
Campgrounds are available throughout the park, ranging from developed sites with hookups near Furnace Creek to primitive backcountry camping. Some campgrounds accept reservations (especially in peak season); others are first-come, first-served. Check recreation.gov for reservations and the NPS site for backcountry camping rules.
Overflow accommodation options exist in gateway towns outside the park. Beatty, Nevada (east entrance) and Ridgecrest, California (west) offer motels and hotels at generally lower prices than in-park lodging. Baker, California to the south is another option, though farther from the main sights.
Things to See & Do
Iconic Landscapes
- Badwater Basin — walk the salt flats at the lowest point in North America; sunrise and sunset are particularly atmospheric.
- Zabriskie Point — eroded golden badlands best seen at dawn; a short paved walk from the parking area.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes — easily accessible dunes near Stovepipe Wells; no trail required, but go early to avoid heat and midday crowds.
- Artists Drive and Artists Palette — a one-way scenic loop through vividly colored volcanic hills.
- Dante's View — a high-elevation overlook at roughly 5,475 feet providing panoramic views of the valley floor and the Panamint Range.
Hiking
Trails range from short walks (Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, Natural Bridge Canyon) to strenuous backcountry routes. Telescope Peak (11,049 ft / 3,368 m) is the park's highest point and offers a challenging day hike best attempted in late spring or fall. Always carry more water than you think you need and tell someone your planned route.
History and Culture
- Furnace Creek Visitor Center — exhibits on geology, natural history, and the history of the Timbisha Shoshone, the indigenous people for whom this land is ancestral home.
- Scotty's Castle — a Spanish Colonial Revival mansion with an interesting backstory involving a prospector and a Chicago businessman. Confirm current access status before visiting, as the facility has been undergoing restoration following a 2015 flood.
- Charcoal Kilns — well-preserved 1870s stone kilns in the Panamint Mountains, accessible via a dirt road.
Stargazing
Death Valley is a designated International Dark Sky Park. The remote location and minimal light pollution make for exceptional night-sky viewing, particularly from Mesquite Flat, Badwater Basin, and Eureka Dunes.
Food & Drink
Dining options inside the park are limited and concentrated at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. The Inn at Death Valley has a full-service restaurant; the Ranch at Death Valley has a casual café and a saloon. Stovepipe Wells Village has a restaurant and bar. Panamint Springs Resort also has a restaurant. Hours and menus vary seasonally — verify on arrival or in advance.
A small general store at the Ranch at Death Valley sells basic groceries, snacks, and supplies. Prices are higher than outside the park, as with most national park concessions. Stocking up in a gateway city before entering is advisable for anyone planning more than a quick day visit.
There is no alcohol restriction within the park for adults of legal age (21 in the US). Staying hydrated with water is the most important dietary consideration here; avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine during hot-weather visits, as both accelerate dehydration.
Practical Information
Cell Coverage and Connectivity
Cell service is sparse to nonexistent across most of the park. Furnace Creek has the most reliable signal. Download offline maps (such as the NPS app or maps.me) and save important phone numbers before entering. Some lodges offer Wi-Fi.
Emergency Services
The park has a ranger station and limited emergency medical response capabilities. The nearest hospitals with full emergency services are in Las Vegas and Ridgecrest; serious medical emergencies may require helicopter evacuation. Dial 911 where cell coverage allows, or contact a park ranger directly. Carry a satellite communicator (such as a SPOT or Garmin inReach) if venturing into remote backcountry.
Fuel
Gasoline is sold at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. Prices are significantly higher than outside the park. Verify that your vehicle can reach either station on the fuel available before leaving a gateway town.
Accessibility
Many of the park's most famous viewpoints and short walks are paved and accessible to visitors with mobility limitations, including Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Mesquite Flat Dunes parking areas. The visitor center at Furnace Creek is fully accessible. Confirm specific accessibility details with the NPS before your trip.
Leave No Trace
Remove all trash, stay on established trails and roads, and do not disturb wildlife or geological features. Collecting rocks, minerals, or plants is prohibited.
Safety
Heat is the defining safety concern. Fatalities from heat-related illness occur in Death Valley, and most involve visitors who underestimated conditions or were unprepared. The NPS advises against outdoor activities below 2,000 feet elevation between approximately May and October unless you are hiking before sunrise. Always carry significantly more water than you expect to need.
Flash flooding is a serious hazard, particularly during summer monsoon season (roughly July–September) and in winter after rainfall. Water can rush through slot canyons and wash out dirt roads with little or no warning. Do not enter narrow canyons when rain is possible in the surrounding mountains.
Vehicle breakdowns in remote areas can become life-threatening in hot weather. Before any backcountry drive, ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound, carry extra water, and let someone know your itinerary. If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it — it is easier for rescuers to locate than a person on foot.
Wildlife encounters are generally low-risk, but rattlesnakes are present and should be given space. Scorpions shelter under rocks and debris; shake out shoes and clothing left on the ground. Do not feed coyotes or any other wildlife.